Polygamy is troubled waters

The Malawi government will soon draft a law that will outlaw polygamy. Minister of Gender, Women and Children Development Patricia Kaliati said the move intends to help stop growing rates in HIV and AIDS cases.
malawi map
The minister said those that currently have more than three wives will be barred from marrying anyone more, and that the law will not be altered by religious or any other factors.

“Violations of this law will attract a penalty of five years without an option of a fine. We want to reduce cases of HIV infection in the country,” she said.

Currently, a majority of Moslem Malawians practice polygamy.

Malawi has a prevalence rate of 12% and about a million people live with the virus.